Course coordinator
Dr Kit Morrell
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
The School Honours program offers an extra year of high quality study. It is the first step to a specialist career in the chosen discipline. For those who choose not to continue on to a research higher degree, an Honours degree provides a significant competitive edge in the job market. This course will provide study of advanced readings.
The School Honours program is a year of additional research-based study, that builds on the foundations of undergraduate study. It is the first step in higher level research, and potentially leads to a specialist career in the chosen discipline. For students who choose not to continue on to a research higher degree, an Honours degree provides a significant competitive edge in the job market, as it demonstrates abilities in independent research, time management, goal setting, and a high standard of analysis and communication.
HUMN6601 involves study of advanced readings appropriate to Honours-level study in the various disciplines. It is a team-taught course delivered by staff from across the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry. Student enquiries about discipline-specific content should be addressed to the relevant discipline contact person:
Classics and Ancient History: ﾠDr Kit Morrell (k.morrell@uq.edu.au)
History:ﾠ Assoc. Prof. Martin Crotty (m.crotty@uq.edu.au)
Philosophy: ﾠDr Julian Lamont (j.lamont@uq.edu.au)
Studies in Religion: Dr Ryan Williams (ryan.williams1@uq.edu.au)
Enquiries about the course overall should be sent to the Course Coordinator, Dr Kit Morrell (k.morrell@uq.edu.au)
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Major in the relevant discipline; 5.5. GPA
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANCH6910, GREK6675, LATN6270, HIST6690, PHIL6008, RELN6002
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Tom Aechtner
Professor Andrew Bonnell
Dr Maxwell Brierty
Associate Professor Martin Crotty
Dr Peter Evans
Associate Professor Joel Katzav
Dr James Lancaster
Dr Kit Morrell
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
ﾠ
ﾠ
ﾠ
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop skills and content via close study of advanced readingsﾠto support the completion of the Honours thesis and provide a foundation for future research or professional endeavours.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Conduct advanced independent research.
LO2.
Collect and analyse appropriate information to answer important research questions.
LO3.
Demonstrate reasoned thought, creativity and high quality of written expression.
LO4.
Develop oral communication skills.
LO5.
Express an understanding of the nature and processes of academic research.
LO6.
Have an appreciation of theoretical and methodological issues specific to the chosen area of research.
LO7.
Reflect critically on complex arguments and problems.
LO8.
Achieve an advanced understanding of the disciplines of history, philosophy, studies in religion or classics, including its ethical and social contexts.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Essay 1 | 45% | |
| Essay/ Critique | Essay 2 | 45% | |
| Participation/ Student contribution | Participation | 10% |
Assessment details
Essay 1
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 45%
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
1 x 4000 word research essay (excluding bibliography and non-discursive notes).
Please see Blackboard for essay questions and due date information for your discipline.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Essay 2
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 45%
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
1 x 4000 word research essay (excluding bibliography and non-discursive notes).
Please see Blackboard for essay questions and due date information for your discipline.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
You are required to attend all seminars across the semester and participate in class discussion. Marks will be awarded for evidence of having completed the required readings for each seminar and for engaging substantially and constructively in class discussions.
In the event of illness, students must provide their instructor with a medical certificate for the period in question in order to avoid losing participation marks and agree upon a timetable to return to seminars. Should a student need to miss the seminar for an acceptable reason other than medical grounds, the student can provide written responses to the tutorial questions for that week's readings. These responses will be noted by the instructor in lieu of actual participation in the missed seminar.
Note, however, that the following reasons are not grounds for non-participation in a seminar:
- computer or internet problems
- holiday arrangements (including overseas travel)
- unexpected events causing the loss of a few hours of reading close to the seminar
- normal levels of stress or anxiety associated with study (accommodations can be made for students with a mental health condition)
- English language difficulties
- moving house or changing address (exceptions may exist when the move is sudden and involuntary)
- social or leisure events (other than sporting or cultural activities at an elite level)
- minor events or accidents
- ordinary family events or commitments, or
- normal pressures relating to study or employment.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24%), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills, and that they have attempted to use some of the conventions of the discipline to communicate appropriately. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 59 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass (50-59%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved. |
| 5 (Credit) | 60 - 69 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit (60-69%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. Students must show that they are capable of doing more than drawing together the ideas of others; they must demonstrate some analytical skills and research initiative. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 70 - 79 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, Distinction (70-79%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. Students should also be able to demonstrate that they can apply their knowledge and skills extensively and show their capacity for original evaluation and interpretation. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 80 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction (80-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. Students should also be able to demonstrate that they can apply their knowledge and skills with originality and sophistication. |
Additional course grading information
Word counts
A word count that is within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes; however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.
Honours Essay Assessment Criteria (Ancient History, History, Religious Studies)
Your Honours coursework essays will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Research Question: Is there a clear and coherent research question? Is this research question important, interesting and/or innovative?
2. Knowledge of Relevant Literature: Is there a review and critical assessment of the academic literature relevant to this research question?
3. Method: Does the essay identify an appropriate method for answering the research question and given reasons for the adoption of this method? Has the method been consistently and correctly utilised in the essay/ thesis?
4. Use of Primary Source Materials: Where relevant, does the student demonstrate a proficiency in selecting and locating relevant primary source materials/data?
5. Quality of Analysis: Has the student presented an argument or thesis that answers the research question? Has the argument been clearly explained and adequately substantiated? Has the hypothesis been adequately explored and tested? Does the author demonstrate an ability to make scholarly judgments through critical analysis and argument?
6. Written Expression: Is the essay/thesis written in a lucid, engaging manner, free from grammatical and other errors?
7. Referencing: Is it adequately referenced as per discipline conventions?
8. Overall presentation of the essay/thesis including word length.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 80-100%), your essay/thesis should demonstrate an exceptional level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a very high level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your essay/thesis should achieve a very high standard. Your writing will be very clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 70 – 79%), your essay/thesis should demonstrate an advanced level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a high level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your thesis should achieve a very high standard. Your writing will be clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
To achieve grade of 5 (60-69%) your essay/ thesis should demonstrate proficient but above average level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, a proficient but above average level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your thesis should achieve a high standard. Your writing will follow discipline conventions, have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
To achieve a grade of 4 (50-59%) your essay/ thesis should demonstrate a basic level of competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, as well as a basic level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. The presentation of your thesis should achieve an appropriate standard. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45-49%), your essay/ thesis will demonstrate that you have only achieved a superficial level competency in choice of thesis topic and structure of the thesis, as well as a superficial level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and written expression. It will demonstrate that you have an emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills, but that this falls short of the Honours pass level. The presentation of your thesis should achieve an acceptable standard. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate or poor and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your essay/thesis will be faulty in its choice of thesis topic and structure. It demonstrates a low level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and/or written expression. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay/thesis will demonstrate that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this assessment task. Your essay/thesis will be deficient in its choice of thesis topic and structure. It will fail to reach the basic level of competency in application of research methodology, use of evidence, quality of analysis, and/or written expression. Arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate. The presentation of your essay/thesis will have failed to achieve an acceptable standard, and its organisation, writing, spelling grammar and referencing will be poor. Use of discipline conventions will be poor, absent or inappropriate.
Honours Essay Assessment Criteria (Philosophy)
1. Topic Definition: Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate.
2. Argument and Structure: Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view.
3. Content: Ability to demonstrate a depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate.
4. Originality: Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
5. Presentation: Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay.
Please also see the “Grade Criteria Rubric”.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 80-100%), your topic should be clear and well defined. You should produce a rigorously argued and clear essay/thesis, with a very high standard of coherent, critical and logically structured analysis. Your essay/thesis should be exceptionally well structured, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in constructing complex argumentative essays. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate an exceptionally high level of understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts. Your essay/thesis should also demonstrate proficiency at using highly relevant and widely sourced references. Your essay/thesis should present penetrating and novel insights about texts, concepts, problems and arguments. There should be clear evidence of creative and independent thought, and an engaging and creative use of examples. Your writing will be lucidly expressed, interesting and engaging. Throughout the essay/thesis, grammar and spelling will be of an exceptionally high standard. Referencing and bibliography will be of a scholarly standard.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 70-79%), your essay/thesis topic should be well defined. You should produce a well-argued essay, with careful and coherent critical analysis, and well-ordered logical analysis. Your essay/thesis should be generally well structured, demonstrating proficiency in constructing complex argumentative essays. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate a high level understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts, and demonstrate proficiency at using a wide range of relevant references. Your essay/thesis should present an advanced understanding of basic texts, concepts, problems, and arguments. There should be evidence of independent thought and creative use of examples. Your writing will be clearly expressed and articulate. Grammar and spelling will be of a high standard but may include a few errors. Referencing and bibliography will maintain high standards of citations and bibliography but may have occasional oversights.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 60-69%), your essay/thesis topic should be generally well defined. You should produce a coherently argued essay, demonstrating proficiency in application of critical thinking concepts. There should be evidence of argumentative structure demonstrating an ability to identify and reconstruct multi-reason arguments. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate a generally secure understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts, and demonstrate and ability to understand and incorporate some relevant references. Your essay/thesis should present a secure grasp of conventional readings of texts, concepts, problems and arguments, and an ability to understand the point of examples. Your writing will be generally clear and well expressed, with occasional grammatical and spelling errors. In general, bibliographic, and in-text conventions will be followed.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50-59%). Your essay/thesis topic should be adequately defined. In your essay/thesis, you should identify simple arguments, demonstrating an understanding of simple inferential relationships between reasons and conclusions. There will be minimal argumentative structure. You should demonstrate an ability to identify and reconstruct simple arguments. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate a basic understanding of texts, problems, and core concepts, with some relevant references appropriately cited. Your essay/thesis should present a satisfactory understanding of texts, problems, concepts, and arguments, and an ability to understand the point of examples. Your essay/thesis will be written with satisfactory expression. Grammar and spelling should be of an acceptable standard, though it may exhibit frequent errors. There will be limited adherence to referencing conventions.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Conceded Pass, 45-49%), your essay/thesis topic will only be asserted. Your essay/thesis argument will not go beyond a sequence of assertions and will exhibit a lack of clarity and precision. The essay structure exhibits disorganisation and does not go beyond presenting opposing positions without explaining logical relationships between them. Your essay/thesis should demonstrate basic awareness with some lapses in understanding. References used in the essay/thesis are irrelevant to topic and/or insufficient in number. Your essay/thesis will only present a rudimentary grasp of texts, concepts, problems, and the role of examples in philosophical arguments. Your writing will have notable flaws in expression, and numerous grammatical and spelling errors. There will be some attempt made at referencing.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your essay/thesis will be defined with significant confusion. Your essay/thesis exhibits confusion, with flawed and disorderly analysis, non sequiturs and incoherent argument. The essay/thesis structure is unclear or convoluted, and/or there is a serious failure to identify, reconstruct or construct an argumentative essay. Your essay/thesis demonstrates a serious misunderstanding of texts and core concepts. References used are irrelevant to topic and/or insufficient in number. Textual interpretation is shallow and repetitive. It consists mostly of significantly flawed paraphrase. There is a lack of proficiency in interpreting and applying central concepts. Your writing has serious flaws in expression, with deeply problematic spelling and grammar. It is barely evident that referencing was attempted.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Fail, 0-24%), your essay/thesis definition will be off topic/non-attempt to define. There is insufficient evidence to measure argumentative abilities. There is only obscure and confused or absent analysis. Your essay/thesis has an indecipherable structure, with paragraphs and sentences that are logically unconnected. The discussion presented is irrelevant to the essay/thesis topic. References are either not included or irrelevant to the topic. There is insufficient evidence to measure whether an independent stance has been attempted. Language used in the essay/thesis is incomprehensible, with unintelligible grammar and spelling.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
- By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
- All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
- A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.
Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
- It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
- Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
- Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
- For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Information about readings and resources will be made available on Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Seminar |
Weeks 1-13: Discipline seminars See Blackboard for details Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.